Three Ways to Improve Health for Summer
Summer enjoyment is marked by warm, lazy afternoons and fun in the sun. Dentist in Newberg, Oregon Dr. Jennifer McLeod and her team at Newberg Family Dental encourages their patients to take special care of themselves during the summer months for good dental care. Here are three easy ways to either maintain or improve good overall and dental health over this season of hot temperatures!
Celebrate With Water
The summer months are marked by celebrations, including vacations, reunions, and holidays like the 4th of July. Celebrate these special occasions not with drinks that are high in sugars and calories, but with cool, delicious water.
Water is a great way to naturally clean your teeth. Rinsing after each meal and drinking a steady flow of water all day long helps remove food particles from the surfaces of your teeth and around your gumline. This keeps your teeth from building up a layer of plaque, which leads to decay.
Water is also a wonderful way to cleanse both your outsides and insides. Cool down during hot summer days and evenings with refreshing time in the pool. While you’re having fun swimming, drink plenty of fresh water to keep your body cool and functioning properly. Spruce up plain water with ice, lemon slices, cucumber slices, mint or ginger to change the flavor.
Eat More Greens
Summer is a prime time for fresh foods for your table regardless of the time of day. Supplement your meals and snacks with fresh, leafy green vegetables, which offer high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B and E. Crunchy, green vegetables like lettuce, kale, spinach and even cucumbers can help remove plaque from your teeth naturally while strengthening your overall health.
Shop Local for Freshness
Where your food comes from matters! Take advantage of the summer weather to visit a wide variety of local farmers markets and smaller stores that specialize in fresh food. These outdoor venues offer a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, honey and specialties that have been grown or made locally. This kind of food is nutritious and satisfying, and purchasing it supports good dental health and the community at the same time.
During these carefree days of summer, remember to take good care of your dental health! Call us at (503) 278-4281 to schedule an appointment with Newberg dentist Dr. McLeod and her team at Newberg Family Dental.